College Admission
Houston Area Recruiter's Network (HARN)
HARN has collected information for students containing admission information for several popular universities throughout Texas and the surrounding area (colleges listed at HARN members).
*As always, please check the college or university's website for the most up to date information as entrance requirements may change.
FRESHMAN GUIDE
As seniors, students are applying to enter a college/university as a college freshman. The link below is a guide to understanding the admission guidelines. Included are Application deadlines, scholarship deadlines, open house, campus visit information, and admission contact, financial aid contact, website link, and holistic review information.
ASSURED RANK GUIDE
In Texas, if a student ranks in the top 10% of their graduating class, they will be automatically admitted to a Texas public university (UT is top 7% for 2018-2019 admissions). Although a student may be automatically admitted under this rule, the student is still competing for their major, and should submit solid application.
Students not in the top 10% may be admitted under assured admission standards (rank/GPA and required test score). The link below is a chart compiled of these assured admission standards. Upon meeting the assured admission standard, the student will be admitted to the college/university, but like the top 10% student is competing for their major. Again, a solid application should be submitted.
If a student does not meet the assured admission standards, most college/universities then move their applicants through a holistic review process. Holistic review takes a deeper look into why the student may not have met the standard. Additional essays or short answers may be required, resume, letters of recommendation, etc. (see college/university website). Holistic review does not mean the student will be denied, it means the college will need to take a deeper look at the student and determine if their institute is a proper fit for the student. I always encourage students who will go into holistic review to contact their the college representative that is assigned to our school to visit with them about their application.
What are some major red flags to college admissions reps at selective universities?
Published on Nov 17, 2014
Jordan Goldman moderates The Wall Street Journal's special event "Inside The College Admissions Office." Panelists include the Deans of Admissions from Princeton University, the University of Pennsylvania, Williams College, Wesleyan University, Bryn Mawr College, Grinnell College, Marquette University and the University of Vermont. Panelists discuss what it takes to get admitted to selective colleges, how the admissions process works from the inside, and what families need to know to improve their chances of getting in.
What Do Essays Really Look Like??
How to Write Perfect ApplyTexas Essays – Shows how to dissect the prompts. Check back for updates.
Johns Hopkins University – Admissions Essays that Worked
College Basics – Example of an Essay that Needs Revision
"Why This College?" Supplemental Essay Prompts – Sample Essays
Big Future/College Board – Sample Essays and Tips
Dissecting the Common App Prompts